Nuke Plant Planned for 21st Century

Israel’s electric corporation will operate a nuclear power plant by the beginning of the next century, and at least 80 percent of its components will be manufactured in Israel, Energy Minister Moshe Shahal told reporters on Thursday.

Israel is one of the world pioneers in developing the next generation of nuclear reactors, Shahal said, and that Israel’s nuclear power stations will consume locally produced uranium.

Two government companies, Israel Electric Corp. and Israel Chemicals, as well as the local coal company, reached agreement Thursday to establish a uranium and phosphates plant on the Rotem plateau in the Negev.

It is expected to start production in two years. It will sell its processed uranium abroad until the first nuclear power plants open in Israel.